Morin Music

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Who we are

Our teachers

Meet our Team & Faculty

Executive Director, Piano

Carmen Morin

Piano

Dan Morin

Specialized Instructor

Guitar, Composition, Harmony

Michalis Andronikou

Specialized Instructor

Piano

Charles Foreman

Specialized Instructor

Piano, Jazz piano

Michelle Gregoire

Specialized Instructor

Voice

Leon Leontaridis

Specialized Instructor

Jazz Piano

Sheldon Zandboer

Specialized Instructor

Piano

Timea Agszer-Powaza

Cello, Piano

Jaewon Ahn

Guitar

Matthew Beuabien

Voice, Piano

Heather Byford

Piano, Violin

John Matthew Cabalsa

Violin

Edmund Chung

Piano, Musicology

Emily Haug

Robyn Holdstock

Director of Operations

Piano

Matt Kallio

Piano, Voice

Praise Kan

Piano

Devon Khousakoun

Piano

Lynn Kwon

Piano, song writing

Andrew Leano Solano

Violin, Piano

Lidia Lee

Saxophone and Flute, Clarinet

Nicolas Luzzi

Piano

Joanna Lyster

Piano, Early Childhood Piano

Michelle Mah

Piano

Krista McGinn

Voice, Piano

Elizabeth Misutka

Violin

Joshua Park

Piano

Nicholas Polachuk

Piano

Grace Shukuda

Piano

Jen Shukuda

Piano

Agata Skulimowska

Piano

Hollman Szeto

Abigail Wong

Administrative Support

Piano

Mike Wong

Executive Director
Carmen Morin

Executive Director

Carmen began her piano study at the age of two with her father Dan Morin and has since been an active member of her Canadian musical community throughout her life.
Her orchestral debut with the Calgary Civic Symphony at the age of 10 sparked several guest solo performances with orchestras throughout Canada, including a performance tour for the Canadian Embassy, showcasing Canadian talent.
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Executive Director

Carmen Morin

Piano
Carmen began her piano study at the age of two with her father Dan Morin and has since been an active member of her Canadian musical community throughout her life.
Her orchestral debut with the Calgary Civic Symphony at the age of 10 sparked several guest solo performances with orchestras throughout Canada, including a performance tour for the Canadian Embassy, showcasing Canadian talent.
In her teacher training she studied Early Piano Pedagogy with Merlin B. Thompson. She holds her ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music, obtained her Diploma in Music Performance with Dmitry Nesterov (Moscow Conservatory) at Mount Royal University, and studied under the tutelage of Marilyn Engle (Juilliard) and Charles Foreman (Juilliard) in the Music Performance program at the University of Calgary.
Following her faculty position at Mount Royal University’s Conservatory (2008–13) she founded one of Calgary’s largest private music schools, Morin Music Studio in 2013.
The school has expanded to a faculty of more than 40 and over 1000 classical music students of all levels and ages.
As an arts entrepreneur she had the honor of receiving the Horizon Alumni Achievement Award from Mount Royal University (2016) to celebrate the success of Morin Music Studio, and was chosen as Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 under 40 (2021).
Carmen is the founder of the Love of Music Calgary program, a community organization that extends the reach of music education to students who may not otherwise have the means to study.
Her online training and education programs including Momentum Piano Academy provide ongoing music education to students internationally in over 25 countries around the world through innovative learning systems.
She was awarded first prize in the Coimbra World Piano Duo Competition (2018), “Special Prize—Francis Poulenc” with pianist Lana Henchell which led to performance with the Orquestra Clàssica do Centro in the São Francisco Concert Hall.
Carmen was the first piano teacher in Western Canada to be inducted into the prestigious Steinway and Sons Teacher Hall of Fame (2019) in New York City, a designation recognizing North America’s most committed and passionate piano educators and performers. She currently serves on the board of directors of Honens International Piano Competition.
Carmen is an enthusiastic adjudicator for music festivals across Alberta, and has served as juror for the Canimex Canadian Music Competition, Canada’s largest national music competition for young musicians.

Specialized Instructor

Dan Morin

Piano
Dan Morin, a lifelong Calgarian, is an established figure in Calgary’s music landscape. His 45-year teaching career has profoundly influenced generations of musicians.
His expertise has led students to excel in competitions and examinations, achieving success both nationally and internationally. His students have performed in concert as soloists with orchestra and have represented Calgary at the Canadian Music Competition National finals. In Conservatory exams, his students have earned top honours across all levels from beginner to Associate’s Diploma.
Beyond teaching Dan has held significant roles in the music community. He enjoys adjudicating in festivals and performance competitions, offering insights to a broader audience. His leadership includes having served as president of the Canadian Music Competitions Calgary Chapter and in playing a key role in the inaugural Honens International Piano Competition. He also spearheaded a media broadcast series showcasing Calgary’s talent.
Dan’s teaching influence extends beyond the classroom. Many of his students have pursued careers in teaching and performing, inspired by his mentorship. He believes education is about more than just piano lessons, and believes in the power music lessons have in shaping each student’s future.
Dan advocates that music lessons should encourage active growth and joy in realizing one’s potential.
At Morin Music Studio, as Senior Piano Instructor and director of the Young Artist Performance Program, Dan continues to share his passion and knowledge with new student generations.

Specialized Instructor

Michialis Andronikou

Guitar, Composition, Harmony
Michalis Andronikou is a composer and musicologist currently residing in Calgary, AB. He holds a PhD in composition from the University of Calgary. He received his Bachelor’s and Integrated Master’s degrees in musicology from the Department of Music Studies, University of Athens, Greece. He has a Diploma in Classical Guitar, Clarinet and Music Theory from the Trinity College and the Royal Academy of Music, and a Diploma in Byzantine Music from the Argyroupolis Municipal Conservatory. Michalis gained credentials in Harmony, Counterpoint, Fugue, and Music Composition (with Theodore Antoniou) from the Hellenic Conservatory. Moreover, he has studied Greek folk instruments such as lute, tamboura and bouzouki.
Michalis has composed music for small and large ensembles, theatre plays, art exhibits, movies, and songs. Either CDs with his works have been released since 2003, and his scores are published by the Canadian Palliser Music Publishing, the Bulgarian Balkanota, the Italian Da Vinci Edition, the English Trubcher Music Editions, and the American Alec Publishing & Recording.
Michalis is an associate composer of the Canadian Music Centre, a member of the Canadian League of Composers, a theory examiner of the Royal Conservatory of Music, a member of the Greek Composers Union, a member of the Center of Cypriot Composers, and Ambassador of Culture for the Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy – Cyprus.

Specialized Instructor

Charles Foreman

Piano
Praised for his superb musicianship, his formidable technique, his vast repertoire, and his imaginative programming, pianist Charles Foreman has created several important recital series, concluding Canada’s first complete cycle of the solo piano works of Chopin in March, 2009. He completed his first (as well as Calgary’s first) cycle of the thirty-two Beethoven piano sonatas in 2005, to sold-out houses and standing ovations, a series he repeated from February, 2015 to May, 2016. In 2001, Foreman finished his two-season “Sounds of a Century” project, ten recitals of twentieth-century piano music, one for each decade.
Foreman made his debut in 1972 with the Chicago Civic Orchestra conducted by David Gilbert, playing the Brahms B-flat Concerto. Since then, he has won prizes in Canadian and U.S. piano competitions, received two Canada Council grants for study and performance in Europe, performed over 30 times with orchestras, and played over 760 solo and chamber recitals in Austria, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Canada, and the U.S. He is currently recording the 32 Beethoven solo piano sonatas for Centaur Records: the first CD, “Chiavi strane,” is also available on Spotify and iTunes, and the second CD, “Sonate intessere,” will be available in 2022.
Foreman has taught individual piano students in Calgary since 1973: his students have won prizes in local, regional, national and international competitions.

Specialized Instructor

Michelle Gregoire

Jazz piano
Michelle Grégoire is a highly acclaimed pianist and composer, known for her “ingenious,” “elegant,” and “original” music with great depth and imagination. Holding jazz degrees from St. Francis Xavier University and a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from Florida State University, she has studied with world-renowned composers Maria Schneider and Bob Brookmeyer.
With a career spanning since 1984, Michelle has toured across Canada, earned a solid reputation as a side person and band leader, and worked with various ensembles, including the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, and Calgary Jazz Orchestra. She is actively involved in the world of Musical Theatre, contributing to productions like Secret Garden and Mary Poppins.
As a leader, Michelle has released two quintet recordings, Reaching and Diversity, both nominated for Outstanding Jazz Recording at the Western Canadian Music Awards. Her big band compositions have been featured on CBC’s Silence on Jazz and performed by notable ensembles.
In addition to her performance career, Michelle is a dedicated clinician and educator. Teaching privately since 1988, she serves as a jazz piano clinician in Calgary schools and is a sessional faculty member at Ambrose University, where she imparts her expertise in jazz piano. Michelle has been a featured clinician in colleges and high schools across Canada, including Humber College and Capilano College.
Her commitment to education extends to her past roles as an adjunct jazz piano teacher at the Canadian Mennonite University and jazz ensemble instructor at the University of Manitoba. During her time at Florida State University, Michelle was a teaching assistant, directing the FSU Jazz Ensemble II and teaching private students.
Many of Michelle’s former students have gone on to become professionals in the music industry, working as performers, composers, producers, and educators across Canada and the United States.

Specialized Instructor

Leon Leontaridis

Voice

Over the last 30 years, Leon Leontaridis has toured and performed with groups such as: The Canadian Tenors, Destino, Calgary Opera, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Cowtown Opera, Vivace, Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra, GhostBoy, piano and violin sensations Roy Tan and Rosemary Siemens, and as the solo artist The Gentleman Leon.

Some of his touring highlights include performances in: Carnegie Hall, the Beijing Olympics, Miss America Pageant, Children’s Miracle Network, Disney World, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. He has performed in cross-Canada tours with The Rankin Family and Canadian Country Music superstar George Canyon.

Leon holds a Bachelor of Music in Performance from the University of Victoria and has been part of the voice faculty at The Conservatory of Music at Mount Royal University.

He is a highly sought-after vocal coach and has worked with performance companies such as: Storybook Theatre, The Young Canadians, Revv52 and Kantorei. Leon is married to Susan Leontaridis and has 4 talented daughters to share his passion of music with.

Specialized Instructor

Sheldon Zandboer

Piano

Acclaimed as Calgary’s finest jazz pianist, composer, arranger, instructor, music industry professional, and author – Sheldon Zandboer is known as one of Canada’s most versatile musicians. Specializing in jazz piano and widely recognized as one of Canada’s premier jazz talents, he has been working behind the scenes on many recordings, theatre projects, song writing projects, jazz concerts, sound design, and film soundtracks.

Sheldon has performed globally since 1975 which makes him out to be one of the most experienced keyboard player/pianists in Canada.

Extensive training and raw talent has allowed him to excel at playing whatever idiom that needs to be performed way beyond the norm. IE: Jazz, Classical, R&B, Blues, Rock, Pop, Country, Electronic Dance, Salsa, Reggae, Soca and Gospel.

Sheldon has performed jazz before Queen Elizabeth, as well as the other members of the British Royal Family, international dignitaries, Heads of State and publicly on 4 continents. His songwriting has extended into the European pop market and has composed music for a film that is on permanent display at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan.

His groundbreaking jazz training book The Tao of Jazz Improvisation adopts eastern philosophy and training techniques, which enables the young to advanced professional to reach a higher level of performance and creativity.

2018 Tipping Velvet Sheldon’s first solo recording was released internationally and was met with critical acclaim. It was also nominated as one of the top 5 Jazz recordings to come out of Calgary in 2019.

The City of Calgary has recognized and listed Sheldon as one of Calgary’s preeminent artists on their official tourism website.

Timea Agszer-Powaza

Piano
Timea Agszer- Powaza is a Slovak- Hungarian pianist, accompanist and piano teacher. She was born in Slovak republic, where she started her music lessons at the age of 8. Timea studied piano playing, theory and pedagogy of music at the Conservatory in Bratislava (Slovakia 2001-2007), In 2008 she became a student of The Academy of Performing Arts; graduating in 2013 with M. MUS in piano playing and piano pedagogy.
During her studies she played in variety of chamber couples, accompanied violin, flute, oboa, voice.
In 2007 at the national competition of Slovak Conservatories with her collegues Juraj Tomka- violin and Tomas Kardos- cello they won a first place in Piano trio category and received the absolutory winner price in Chamber music.
Timea studied harpsichord with Robert Gracz for 6 years and was a cembalo player of a Baroque chamber orchestra at the Conservatory and Classic chamber orchestra at the Academy of performing Arts. In 2007 the orchestra received a grant for a concert tour performed all over the country and grant for a CD recording.
During her studies she was actively performing (Haydn, Chopin,Schumann, Liszt,Poulenc) on open master classes of Viviana Sofronitsky (Russian born), Karl Andreas – Kolly (Switzerland ), Eugen Indjic (French- American Pianist ) and Drahomira Billigova ( Italy).
Timea is currently concentrated around piano pedagogy. She has over 15 years of teaching experience from Slovakia and Canada as well.
Timea is an active member of ORMTA teachers’ association.

She is a certified piano teacher of Royal Conservatory of Music for Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced Level.

“Every child carries a unique musical gift that I love to discover, nurture, and help to grow. Music is a wonderful gift.”

Jaewon Ahn

Cello, Piano
Jaewon Ahn was born in Korea where she pursued her passion for music since the age of nine. She has won several competitions in Korea, among them, the prestigious Strad competition. In 2004, she moved to Calgary, Canada and began her studies with John Kadz at the Mount Royal Conservatory. As the recipient of Barbara Wanner Scholarship, she has consistently won numerous competitions in Canada including the Canadian Music Competition and the Frank Simpson Concerto competition where she was featured twice as a soloist performing the Rococo Variation and the Dvorak Concerto.
Jaewon has participated in numerous solo and chamber music festivals regularly over the years including the Banff Chamber Music Residency, Banff International Music Festival, Orford Arts Centre Festival/Orchestra, Great Mountains Music Festival, Montecito International Music Festival, the Young Artists Program in Ottawa and the Morningside Music Bridge. Jaewon has performed extensively throughout Europe, North America, China and Korea collaborating with many of acclaimed artists such as Lynn Harrell, Andres Diaz, Roberto Diaz, Ignace Jang, Parry Karp, and Chee-Yun Kim. An avid chamber and orchestral musician, she has worked with world-class artists such as Lawrence Lesser, Pieter Wispelwey, Jian Wang, Donald Weilerstein, Paul Katz, Ron Leonard, Axel Strauss, Steven Dann, Mark Steinberg and Wolfgang Redik.

Her piano trio, Trio Armonioso was formed at McGill university in 2015. They garnered immediate success, winning the Schulich Chamber Music competition in December 2015. The group has been invited to perform in various concert series including McGill’s Café Concert Series as well as a residency and performances at the Mozarteum’s 2016 Chamber Music Festival in Salzburg, Austria.

Comfortable sharing her talents beyond the stage, Jaewon was selected to perform on national television with Finger Eleven at the Juno Awards in 2008. Later that year, she was also featured in the Canada’s Rising Star Concert series. Then in 2011, she had the privilege to perform at TEDxSMU, an award-winning non-profit conference focused on sharing ideas of technology, entertainment and design.
In Oct 2017, Jaewon will graduate from McGill’s Schulich school of Music under the tutelage of Brian Manker, the principal cellist of the OSM. Her previous teachers include Natasha Brofsky at the New England Conservatory and Andres Diaz at SMU where she has received the Artist Diploma in 2012.

Matthew Beuabien

Guitar
With a Master of Music Degree in classical guitar performance, and with over 15 years of teaching and performing experience, Matthew enthusiastically shares his knowledge, skills, and passion for music with students. His friendly and relaxed manner puts students at ease, and lessons are both fun and goal-oriented.
Matthew is comfortable with students of all ages, and has the versatility to teach most styles of guitar including folk, jazz, rock, blues, funk, and classical. For younger students, he strongly emphasizes developing the fundamental skills of reading music notation and theory along with learning the techniques of playing. He works with each student to set goals, whether it is to pass their next Royal Conservatory exams, or to ‘just strum a few chords’, learn to improvise, develop songwriting skills, refine technique, etc., and he personalizes projects and repertoire to suit each student’s unique objectives.

He studied jazz guitar at MacEwan university in Edmonton with Bob Cairns before studying with Ralph Maier at Mount Royal University (obtaining the final Diploma in classical guitar performance to be bestowed by that institution), and at the University of Calgary where he obtained both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He received several academic grants and awards, and In 2015 he was a recipient of the prestigious Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council’s Joseph Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship.

He has performed in masterclasses with several notable classical guitarists, including Xuefei Yang, Pavel Steidl, Emma Rush, Alexander Dunn, Jerome Ducharme, Jeff McFadden, Marc Teicholz, Johannes Möller and others, and he has performed at hundreds of weddings and other events in and around Calgary.

Heather Byford

Voice, Piano
Miss Heather started lessons in voice and piano at an early age and music has become a lifelong pursuit. After graduating with a bachelor of music in voice performance, she launched into a busy teaching career, giving lessons in voice, and piano, as well as theory, and early childhood classes.
Her teaching is fuelled by her love of performing and learning. After several years of full-time teaching at Morin Music in Calgary, she moved to Victoria BC to study for a master’s degree in classical voice performance, which she completed in the spring of 2023. Throughout her time in grad school and since, she has continued teaching her students online and is thrilled to be able to remain part of the Morin Music community while pursuing her own education and performance career.
She likes to focus on goal setting as an important part of music education and her students frequently receive top marks on royal conservatory exams. As a teacher she finds it most rewarding to see her students develop confidence and purpose through their musical training which benefits all areas of their lives.
“My goal as a teacher is to help my students become fluent in the language of music. I want them to develop the skills that will give them the freedom to be able to learn any piece of music that speaks to them.”

John Matthew Cabalsa

Piano, Violin
John Matthew Cabalsa is an accomplished pianist and music educator, honored as the laureate of Ambrose University’s Edwin Gnandt Concerto Competition in both 2020 and 2022. Originating from the Philippines, he embarked on his musical journey at the age of three. After relocating to Canada, he dedicated himself to advancing his piano proficiency through the Royal Conservatory’s certificate program. His commitment and talent were recognized with a First-Class Honours award for the Level 10 Piano, Theory, and Music History examinations.
Building on this foundation, John pursued a Bachelor of Music degree in classical piano performance at Ambrose University in Calgary, Alberta. Under the guidance of esteemed mentors such as Professor Edwin Gnandt, Dr. Krzysztof Jablonski, and Dr. Elizabeth Clarke, he continued to refine his skills.
In addition to his academic pursuits, John is an active soloist and collaborative musician at Ambrose University and beyond. He and fellow musicians from the university have showcased their talents through performances and recordings of solo and chamber works. Notable among these was his rendition of the first movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto in D Minor, K.466, during the 20th Ambrose University Annual Concerto Concert held virtually in March 2021. Further, John has been part of performances and recordings of chamber works by classical composers like Vivaldi and Dvořák, as well as contemporary pieces by local Calgary composer Dr. Michalis Andronikou. Examples include “The Journey of Jason” for violin and piano (November 2020), “Give Thanks in All Circumstances” for a piano quintet (February 2023), and “In Coexistence We Believe” for cello and piano (November 2023). In March 2023, he showcased his talent by performing the first movement of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto in E-flat Major, Op. 73, with Ambrose University’s Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Jason Erhardt, during the 22nd Annual Edwin Gnandt Concerto Concert (formerly known as the Ambrose University Annual Concerto Concert).
John also plays a pivotal role as a music educator, currently serving as a faculty member at Morin Music Studio. In this capacity, he diligently prepares numerous students for piano examinations within the Royal Conservatory’s certificate program. His dedication extends to contributing his musical skills to the vibrant and ever-growing arts community at Morin Music Studio, Ambrose University, and in the city of Calgary.

Edmund Chung

Violin
Edmund Chung first began his violin studies at the age of four in Hong Kong. He continued his studies with Shirley Givens at The Juilliard School in the pre-college division when he was 7 years old. At the age of 18 while studying with Toni Stanick, he was the grand prize winner of CMC (’08). He completed his Bachelor’s (’15) and Master’s Degree (’17) at the University of British Columbia, where he studied with Professor David Gillham. He then spent a year in Bergen, Norway, studying with David Stewart (‘17-’18).
Edmund attended music festivals such as the Heifetz Institute, Orford Music, Greenwood, and Le Domaine Forget. He was also a fellow at Tanglewood Music Center for two summers (‘17,‘18), where he served as Concertmaster and Assistant Concertmaster. Before joining the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Edmund was a regular substitute for the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

Emily Haug

Piano, Musicology

Emily Haug, a native Calgarian, embarked on her musical journey at the age of five with classical piano lessons. Her introduction to music came through her grandfather, a multifaceted musician who served as an organist, choral conductor, and Brass musician. Under the guidance of Dr. Peter Jancewicz at Mount Royal College, Emily excelled in her piano studies, completing Royal Conservatory Examinations in piano, history, and theory. Notable achievements include securing first and second places in Classical and Twentieth-Century piano classes at competitions like the Calgary Concerto Competition and the Calgary Kiwanis Festival.

Transitioning to post-secondary education, Emily initially enrolled in Mount Royal College’s Piano Diploma Program. However, her passion for Music History led her to transfer to the University of Calgary in 2002, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Music. During her undergraduate years, Emily continued her classical piano studies with Dr. Charles Foreman and deepened her knowledge of Music History under the tutelage of Dr. Victor Coelho and Dr. Kenneth DeLong. Concurrently, she maintained a private studio, imparting piano lessons to students of various ages and guiding them through Royal Conservatory Examinations.
After completing her Bachelor’s degree, Emily pursued a Masters degree in Historical Musicology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Her focus on the music of the Italian Renaissance led to a thesis paper exploring the musical borrowing of sacred and secular poetry in fifteenth-century Florentine Carnival songs under the supervision of Dr. Alex Fisher. Returning to Calgary, Emily contributed her expertise to the Calgary Performing Arts Festival from 2016 to 2019, serving as Festival and Registration Coordinator. This role provided her with a unique perspective on the practical demands and circumstances faced by performers, production staff, and venue technicians.
Emily’s teaching philosophy places a strong emphasis on musical theory and history. Specializing in advanced music history, she believes that students benefit from understanding the cultural context in which the music they perform was created. This knowledge equips them with valuable tools to effectively engage with and communicate their music to their audience

Director Of Operations

Robyn Holdstock

Born in small town Weyburn Saskatchewan, Robyn spent her formative years inside her Dad’s vinyl record shop. Immersed in his extensive collection of music throughout her upbringing, Robyn considers herself to be born and raised on music, and feels a deep understanding of the inherent power of music and the arts.
In her professional background, Robyn is passionate about human development and potential. Among her credentials she is a certified in Holistic Nutrition, Neuro-linguistic programming, and Reiki practitioner. She is a Certified Women’s Coach specialist with Girls Gone Strong, and has focused her coaching specifically to support women and young females.
As a coach to women and youth, she facilitates growth through tools of writing, sharing of vulnerable human experiences, and movement. Her driving principle in her coaching and youth work is to share that all we are born worthy, and deserve to step fully into our innate power.
With her love of music combined with her passion for coaching and human potential, she is thrilled to support the growth and development of the teachers and students of Morin Music Studio.

Matt Kallio

Piano
Pianist Matthew Kallio was born in Sudbury, Ontario where he took his first steps in music through the Royal Conservatory of Music. After RCM studies in piano he furthered his music education through Cambrian College’s music department earning a diploma in piano performance and finished his studies in piano performance and organ at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
As a piano instructor, with over 20 years of experience Matthew strives to meet his students in achieving their goals. An experienced RCM teacher, he has successfully prepared many students for examinations with consistently high results. Matthew believes a strong, dependable technique will serve any student well as a strong foundation wherever their music takes them.
Following Acadia university, Matthew worked in Halifax at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts in the piano faculty and as a collaborative pianist. In 2015 he moved back to his home province of Ontario. Following this move Matthew became greatly involved in music scene in Northern Ontario which included artistic direction of the City of Lakes Music Society where he spearheaded a number of performances of chamber music including “Bachanalia: A Wild Celebration of Johann Sebastian Bach” and “Ode to St. Cecilia – music by George Frederic Handel and Henry Purcell”. In addition Matthew created and performed in the “Keys to the Library” through his role as COLMS director, a concert series which brought chamber music to the local libraries. Since moving to Calgary, he has held positions as music director at Grace Presbyterian Church as well as pianist at the Alberta Ballet.
Matthew is an experienced keyboard collaborator having performed with orchestras (Sudbury Symphony Orchestra, YES Theater Orchestra) as well as choral groups (Young Sudbury SIngers, Laurentian University Chorus, Sudbury Chamber Singers, Octatonic Decadence, Acadia University Chorus). He has also performed in many musical theater productions through the Toronto based theater company YES theater. In addition, has also led successful music programs as a music director in several churches across Canada and concertized extensively. Matthew loves collaboration with other musicians in chamber music, duo ensembles, voice and most recently, four handed piano works.

Praise Kan

Piano, Voice
Praise Kan, born in Calgary and raised in Hong Kong, is a multifaceted artist with a passion for music and the arts. Growing up in a family deeply connected to music, Praise’s parents operated a music center in Hong Kong, where her father, a Suzuki piano teacher, and her mother, a singing teacher, provided her with numerous opportunities to explore various instruments. Praise eagerly embraced this environment, learning to play instruments such as the piano, jazz drums, guitar, flute, and violin.
In pursuit of her artistic aspirations, Praise embarked on an educational journey that allowed her to refine her skills and expand her creative horizons. She attended the Hong Kong Design Institute, where she majored in Visual Communication Design. Later, in 2021, Praise returned to Calgary to enroll in the University of Calgary, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Opting for a Bachelor of Arts rather than a Bachelor of Music, she sought to broaden her understanding of the arts beyond auditory perception, emphasizing a holistic approach to artistic expression. As a testament to her commitment to music, Praise became a valued member of the Chamber Choir at the University of Calgary.
Praise has achieved remarkable proficiency in several instruments, holding Grade 8 certifications in piano, jazz drums, and flute, along with a Grade 5 in violin. Additionally, she has excelled in various singing competitions, showcasing her vocal talents and passion for performance.
Looking ahead, Praise envisions a future deeply rooted in education and a desire to promote the importance of art and music. She firmly believes that music plays a pivotal role in personal growth, particularly when introduced at an early age. With this conviction, Praise aspires to inspire younger generations to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the arts. Moreover, her fascination with world music motivates her to explore the intersection of music and culture, seeking to foster cross-cultural understanding and connection. Praise’s ultimate goal is to merge art and music in her future career, whether it be through working in a museum or any other space that combines these creative realms. The potential to intertwine art, music, and education ignites her imagination and fuels her dedication to making a meaningful impact in the world.
Praise’s journey as an artist showcases not only her exceptional talent but also her unwavering commitment to promoting the transformative power of art and music. Her passion, combined with her diverse skill set, promises to shape a future that celebrates creativity, cultural exchange, and the pursuit of artistic excellence.

Devon Khousakoun

Piano
Devon Khousakoun has been playing piano since the age of five. As a student of Dmitry Nesterov, he has received his Grade 9 Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) certificate and has completed his Grade 10 practical exam. His teaching goals include sharing his passion for music with others and making the music learning process fun and engaging. Devon has received numerous awards at the Kiwanis Music Festival/Calgary Performing Arts.
Besides piano, Devon also holds a black belt in karate and enjoys teaching karate to people of all ages, ranging from young children to adults. Through teaching martial arts and piano, Devon has developed patience and understanding in working with a variety of personalities and students.
Devon currently is in his third year of neuroscience at the University of Calgary. In his free time, Devon likes to play basketball, conduct neuroscience research, and spend time with his two dogs.

Lynn Kwon

Piano
Born and raised in Korea.
She began her studies in piano at the age of seven. From a young age, she was an artist and avid music lover who showed interest in various instruments. She spent her childhood exploring her creativity through painting, singing and studying the piano, violin, clarinet and guitar.
She earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance at Dongduk Women’s University in Seoul, Korea.
Lynn has extensive experience accompanying church choirs and soloists, and performing with her wedding trio.
With over 10 years of teaching and professional performing experience, she enjoys working with students of all ages and is excited to share her knowledge. She strives to encourage her students to enjoy music as a lifelong passion. In addition, she wishes to inspire her students to appreciate and find joy in music

Andrew Leano Solano

Piano, Song Writing
Andrew is a passionate musician with a love for piano that began at the age of 16. He was first introduced to music in his high school symphonic band, where he played the trombone. During his high school years, Andrew successfully auditioned for the piano curriculum program at Columbia National University.
Andrew’s interest in classical piano also led him to explore composition, and he began studying songwriting and composition. His academic performance earned him a scholarship for two consecutive years, and he later auditioned for Berklee College of Music, one of the most renowned music institutions in the world, where he was accepted and completed his academic music program.
Andrew’s career in the music industry has seen him perform live for both independent and national projects. Currently, he serves as a piano instructor and conducts the children’s and adult choir at the YMCA

Lidia Lee

Violin, Piano
Hae Ju (Lidia) Lee started her musical journey with piano at the age of 6 and violin at the age of 9. She completed her Bachelors (‘15) and Masters Degree (‘17) on scholarship at the University of British Columbia where she majored in violin performance under the tutelage of David Gillham. The following year, she studied abroad in Bergen, Norway, with David Stewart, the Concertmaster of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.
Over the years, she has participated in numerous orchestral/chamber music festivals, such as the Tanglewood Music Festival as a Violin Fellow for two summers (‘17 and ‘18), Orford Arts Centre Festival/Orchestra, Le Domaine Forget, and Camp Musical des Laurentides. Lidia has served as the Concertmaster and Principal Second of University of British Columbia Symphony Orchestra. She was also Principal Second of the Orford Academy Orchestra in the summer of 2016.
Although Lidia obtained degrees in violin performance, she holds her Grade 10 RCM Certificate in piano and occasionally accompanied her colleagues in her violin studio class at UBC. She has also participated and received awards with piano at the Kiwanis Music Festival and Burnaby Clef Music Society.
Lidia is currently an active substitute member of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. She was also a First Violin member of the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra and a substitute member of Opera Bergen during her stay in Norway.

Nicolas Luzzi

Saxophone and Flute, Clarinet
Saxophone and flute, Clarinet instructor:
Since Grade 8, Nicolas has had a passion for playing the saxophone. He pursued this passion by earning a Bachelor of Music degree in saxophone performance from the University of Calgary.
During his time at the university, he also learned to play the clarinet, flute and piano, which has expanded his musical horizons and enhanced his performance skills. To continue honing his skills and pursuing excellence, Nicolas recently underwent further saxophone training at the University of British Columbia. This experience has been invaluable and has deepened his appreciation for the beauty and versatility of the saxophone.
As a musician, Nicolas is committed to sharing his passion and knowledge with others and helping them discover the joys of playing an instrument.

Joanna Lyster

Piano
Joanna Lyster was born in Edmonton, Alberta and started taking piano lessons at the age of nine. She studied with Ms. Wendy Wells and later with Mr. Simon Morin. She enjoyed playing classical, popular and endless other selections of music while continuing her grades one through 10, practical and theory with The Royal Conservatory of Music.
Joanna started with Morin Music in 2015 and over the past eight years has become a cherished member of our Faculty. Joanna has been sharing her love of music by teaching beginner lessons for the past 15 years. She has taught a variety of people and ages, knowing each student has a unique way of learning and individual set of skills and goals. Joanna enjoys constantly learning and shares her own experience as a student herself to encourage and help each student in all areas of learning music.
Joanna is currently working on her ARTC in Piano Pedagogy Certificate through the Royal Conservatory. She enjoys traveling, reading, adventures with her dog, Sapphire around the city and spending free time with her family.

Michelle Mah

Piano, Early Childhood Piano
Michelle is a passionate piano player who grew an interest for music at an early age. She started piano at the age of five where she first enrolled in music for young children and was inspired by all the melodious sounds. From there she participated in Apta festivals and Kiwanis festivals throughout her RCM journey.
Michelle has been teaching piano for over 6 years to all ages and enjoys creating meaningful connections with students. Her favourite part about teaching is watching her students thrive in their musical journey and flourish as a piano player. She believes music is an outlet for creative possibilities and has the ability to paint stories that can be be felt with all the senses. Also, she believes music allows individuals to explore their artistic abilities using expression and interpretation.
Along with music, she is enthusiastic about business and is finishing up her Bachelor’s in Accounting. During her free time, she enjoys composing music and playing piano scores from her favourite Broadway shows including Wicked, Hamilton and Les Misérables

Krista McGinn

Piano
Krista McGinn is a dedicated and accomplished pianist and instructor with a Bachelor of Music degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. Krista brings a wealth of musical knowledge and expertise to her teaching. She has a passion for imparting her musical wisdom to her students, drawing upon a wide range of teaching methods that cater to different learning styles, including visual, aural, kinesthetic, and analytical memory tools.
Krista is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in piano under the guidance of Dr. Jani Parsons at the University of Calgary’s School of Creative and Performing Arts. Her musical journey encompasses various facets, from accompanying the Chamber Choir directed by Kathryn Parrotta and collaborating with a flute duo, to performing solo pieces for master classes, campus noon-hour recitals, and evening recitals.
Krista is not only an experienced educator but also a dedicated mother to three grown children, making her a mature and empathetic teacher. She has honed her teaching approach over the years, adapting lesson expectations to suit each student’s unique developmental journey. Krista McGinn offers a well-rounded curriculum that includes Royal Conservatory of Music preparation, method books tailored for younger students, and the sheer joy of playing popular songs.

Elizabeth Misutka

Voice, Piano
Lizzie Misutka is a pianist, singer, actress, and dancer, born and raised in Calgary Alberta. Lizzie has always had a love for music and has been studying and playing classical piano for over two decades. She began her training at the age of 2 studying the Suzuki method, and later switched to Royal Conservatory where she completed the advanced levels, studying under Elizabeth Rebozo and later Charles Foreman in Calgary.
Lizzie has also always had a love for singing. She began singing and competing in choir under the direction of Quan Le before beginning private lessons. Lizzie completed the advanced Royal Conservatory performance examinations, and studied with Michelle Minke and Dr. Tara Laberge.
Lizzie pursued her love for music and performing at a higher level, studying theatre, dance, and music at the Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto (‘20).
Lizzie is now working toward her Bachelor of Arts Honors in Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Calgary.
Vocalist and performer Lizzie Misutka is a Musical Theatre graduate from the Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto, and holds her advanced Grade 10 vocal certification through the Royal Conservatory of Music in vocal performance.
On top of her love of singing and formal vocal training, Lizzie has also enjoyed nearly two decades as a classically trained pianist. She reached the advanced levels, completing Grade 10 in classical piano certification through the Royal Conservatory of Music studying with Prof. Charles Foreman in Calgary.
In her free time she enjoys reading and hiking with her dog.

Joshua Park

Violin
Joshua Park started the violin at the age of eight years old and he studied with Erno Kabok at the British Columbia Conservatory of Music School. As a student, Joshua excelled and received recognition in British Columbia’s musical community. As well as being recognized in his local festivals and competitions, he was one of few students selected to perform in the Tom Lee Festival Honours performances, and was selected with scholarship to the Surrey Symphony Youth Orchestra conducted by Lucille Lewis. He would later serve as concertmaster with this orchestra.
In 2002, Joshua moved to Calgary to study with Cenek Vrba, who was the concertmaster of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Joshua was admitted into the academy program at Mount Royal University Conservatory and he eventually pursued a Diploma in Music Performance. During these years, he had the privilege of studying with many great coaches and guest artists. One of his favorite chamber coaches was Nick Pulos, who had a great impact on his studies. Joshua continued his studies in Music Performance with Edmond Agopian at the University of Calgary and received his Bachelors of Music. He was a member of both Mount Royal Youth Orchestra and University of Calgary Orchestra.
In his teaching, Joshua is an avid teacher and is passionate about sharing his experiences with his students. In 2017, he participated in the ASTA conference in Pittsburgh and was delighted to learn more about violin pedagogy and experience teaching in a different way. He is excited to share various learning techniques and is experienced with working with students of all ages and levels in both private and semi-private instruction. His students successfully participate in Royal Conservatory Examinations as well as local festivals, and he believes that everyone can learn and enjoy the violin with hard work and dedication.
In 2013, Joshua was appointed as head music director for the Korean War Concert held at Jack Singer Concert Hall where he performed his own solo composition and played with the concert’s chamber orchestra.
Today, Joshua is a leader and a player for Stringendo and Electronic Symphonia. He performs frequently at weddings, churches, corporate events, and parties. He has played live on air for Calgary’s station 101.5 Kool FM and also played live on CTV morning channel as a representative of the Civic Symphony Orchestra.

Nicholas Polachuk

Piano

Grace Shukuda

Piano
Grace Shukuda began her piano studies at the age of two with Dan Morin. With Dan’s tailored learning, Grace had the privilege of laying a foundation of musical development through both Suzuki as well as Royal Conservatory pedagogy. She is currently working towards the completion of her ARCT with the Royal Conservatory Exam through continued mentorship with Dan.
Through volunteering in group and private music classes with Jen Shukuda, Grace has developed a knowledge around the importance of meeting a child where they are at and guiding the learning according to their specific needs. Partaking in a variety of local charity performance galas, Grace understands both the pressure and privilege of public performance. Grace’s entire life has been immersed in the musical culture of the Morin Music Community and she is grateful to be now joining this incredible team as a teacher

Jen Shukuda

Piano
Jen Shukuda began her piano studies in the Suzuki Program at Mount Royal University at the age of three. At three and a half, she was chosen to play and demonstrate the Suzuki Methodology on CTV News. Jen completed all of the Suzuki Piano Volumes with Merlin Thompson. While studying with Merlin, Jen had the privilege of playing in the Piano Con Brio group for three years. Jen has also received her Suzuki Pedagogy Training with Merlin Thompson.
At the age of eleven, Jen began competing in the Kiwanis Music Festival and has continued to compete into her adult years placing several times. More recently in the Calgary Herald, Jen was the focus in an article on her accomplishments as both a musician and nurse.
Jen has had the great joy of taking lessons with Dan Morin. Under his guidance, she completed her Piano Performance ARCT and has continued working towards her Performer’s Licentiate.
Jen has her Bachelor’s of Nursing and has had the privilege to work in Child Adolescent Mental Health, Internal Medicine and more recently as a manager in the community.

Agata Skulimowska

Piano
Agata Skulimowska, originally from Poland, fell in love with Fryderyk Chopin’s music as a child. Every minute spent with his masterpieces was so special, that at age of twelve she decided to start her music education.
In 2017 she finished her Bachelor studies at The Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw, Poland under professor Krzysztof Jablonski’s guidance. To continue her education and broaden the musical experience, she moved to Calgary in 2019 and joined Advanced Performance Program at Mount Royal University Conservatory. Right now, Agata is taking Master of Music Program at University of Calgary in Dr. Jani Parsons’ class.
Agata is laureate of national and international piano competitions in Europe. She has taken part in many masterclasses and music festivals around the world, including places like Poland, Denmark, Japan, Rome and Canada.
In order to further improve her pianistic and pedagogic skills, she has worked with acclaimed pianists and piano professors including Eugen Indjic, Sasha Starcevich, David Moroz, Tobias Koch, Janusz Olejniczak, Nikolai Demidenko and Alexander Braginsky. Along with her passion for solo performances, Agata is also a part of a chamber ensemble and an accompanist for Chamber Choir and University Chorus.

Hollman Szeto

Piano
Hollman Szeto’s musical journey commenced at the piano, expanding to include the violin. Progressing through the RCM curriculum, he attained advanced certificates in both instruments. His academic pursuits led to a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in Mathematics.
A dynamic musician, Hollman graced various stages, performing at banquets, competitions, and contributing his talents to fundraisers, notably for the 2009 Tsunami in Thailand. His proficiency extends beyond solo performances; as a collaborative pianist, he frequently accompanies diverse artists, premiering compositions by various creators.
In the ensemble realm, Hollman’s versatility shines. He actively participated in groups like the University of Calgary Orchestra and held leadership roles in the University of Calgary Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Echos Chamber Orchestra. His musical journey includes prestigious invitations to perform with the Alberta Winds.
Beyond instrumental prowess, Hollman is emerging as a conductor. Selected as the assistant conductor of the University of Calgary Symphonic Band in 2016, he also served as assistant conductor of the Dr. EP Scarlett Symphonic Band
Hollman believes that the gift of music exists in everyone, and that the best reward is the spark of discovery between both teacher and student

Administrative Support

Abigail Wong

Abigail Wong began her musical journey at the age of six in Hong Kong, where she developed a profound love for the piano. Her dedication and talent led her to successfully complete Grade 8 in piano and Grade 5 in theory examination with The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). Passionate about sharing the magic of music, Abigail became a piano teacher, finding joy in nurturing the musical talents of young children.
Growing up in both Hong Kong and Calgary, Abigail is fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. Currently, she is studying Digital Marketing Certificate at University of Calgary. She sees social media not just as a marketing tool but as a dynamic force that shapes the way we communicate, consume information, and build relationships in the digital age now. She applies her meticulous attention to detail and excellent communication skills in an administrative support role.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Abigail treasures quality time with her family. As a mother of three, she enjoys engaging in outdoor activities with her children, creating cherished moments that complement her dynamic and fulfilling life.

Piano

Mike Wong

Mike is a dedicated music teacher with a Bachelor’s degree in music education from The Education University of Hong Kong. Fluent in Cantonese, English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese, he offers a wide range of services including piano, dictation, ear training, music history, and music theory at both beginner-intermediate and advanced levels, as well as RCM exams preparation.
With a passion for sharing the beauty and transformative power of music, Mike aims to instill a lifelong appreciation for music in his students, guiding them on their musical journey to unlock their full potential. Through his teaching, Mike aspires to touch hearts, inspire minds, and bring people together through the universal language of music